World Airways to fly 747F for Asiana

WORLD Airways has signed an agreement with Asiana Airlines to operate a Boeing 747-400 freighter for the South Korean carrier.

“This agreement represents a natural extension of the close cooperation between Asiana and World Airways, which began approximately 10 years ago,” said Hendrik Falk, vice-president cargo sales for Global Aviation Holdings, World Airways’ parent company. “We are extremely pleased and proud to be a partner with such a reputable, top-quality organisation.”

“Through the short-term flight operations during the peak season last year with World Airways, we were very successful. The outstanding on-time operation and payload capability by World Airways has contributed to the extension into 2010,” said Kwang Seok Kim, senior vice-president cargo sales for Asiana Airlines.

Asiana Airlines reported revenues fell eight per cent in 2009 to US$3.4 billion, as airfeight yields weakened seven per cent. However, in the last quarter, cargo yield improved five per cent, revenues rose 2.8 per cent and operating costs were down nine per cent.

The carrier is predicting a 16 per cent rise in revenue for 2010, to $3.9 billion, and cargo yield to improve by 11 per cent.